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Newsletter November 11, 2008
QUOTE OF THE DAY:
"When I approach a child, he inspires in me two sentiments; tenderness for what he is, and respect for what he may become." Louis Pasteur
HELP Center Announcements
SPHC Staffing Patterns for November
Susan Warfield, SPHC Director: Susan will be on vacation from Monday, November 17th until Tuesday, December 9th. Susan will return to the SPHC on Wednesday, December 10th.
Jerri Clark-Wagner, Direct Service Program Coordinator: Update – Jerri will be out until November 18th or later, and she will be on vacation the week of Thanksgiving (November 24-26) if she has returned by the 18th.
Melanie Opay, Graduate Social Work Teaching Assistant: Melanie’s new hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 am to 3:30 pm.
Chanee Rudolph, Undergraduate Teaching Assistant: Chanee’s regular hours are Mondays and Wednesdays from noon to 5 pm and Fridays from 11 am to 4 pm.
Save the Dates:
Tentative Date for Student Parent Visibility Day
April 21, 2009
More information to come.
PASS Group (Parenting as Students Support Group)
Wednesdays 12:00 PM–2:00 PM
The Student Parent HELP Center meets weekly on Wednesdays from 12:00-2:00 in Room 24, Appleby Hall.
The group provides the opportunity to connect with other student parents, discuss the challenges and joys surrounding academic studies and parenthood and share a FREE lunch with your fellow SPHC friends.
The direction of the group will be determined in large part by your needs and ideas. Your willingness to share experiences and personal challenges will undoubtedly help others, so we hope you will join us as often as you can. Feel free to come for all or part of the group and remember that you are not obligated to come every week. Simply come as often as your schedule allows. (Your little ones are welcome!!). See below for upcoming group topics.
November 12, 2008: We will be having a presenter from LSS Financial Services speak with us about financial literacy, budgeting, credit card debt, and how to stretch your dollar to get through tough economic times. Come enjoy a free hot lunch (very economical) and bring in your money questions!
November 19, 2008: Linda Aaker, attorney from the University Student Legal Services office, will be presenting information on custody issues and providing resources around mediation services related to custody agreements. Linda has presented in group before and is excited to be coming back. Please come prepared with questions so that we can make the most of Linda's time and expertise.
Note: Please know that the SPHC staff does not want student parents to skip class in order to attend the weekly group meetings. Academics are considered student parents' priority at the U. If there is a specific topic you are interested in and you are unable to attend group, please inform a staff member and we will be happy to provide information to you after the group meets.
If you have suggestions for a specific topic or program, contact Susan Warfield or Melanie Opay at sphc@umn.edu.
We Need You…
The Student Parent Association (SPA) is a University student group specifically designed to address the issues facing student parents on campus. As the new academic year gets underway, SPA is looking to enroll new members and officers. Membership and officer application forms are available on their website under the “Links” tab. Complete applications can be returned to Susan Warfield, via email attachment sent to her direct email address: warfi002@umn.edu.
We will also have applications available at the HELP Center and you can attend a meeting and sign up then as well. Meetings are held each Friday from 12:30 PM to 1:00 PM in the Student Parent HELP Center. This type of engagement looks wonderful on a resume and goes a long way toward increasing the visibility of student parents at the U of MN. Please visit their website to learn more: www.tc.umn.edu/~umspa/
Study Abroad Feature
Myths about Studying Abroad
Roxana Hadad
Although the number of students going abroad is growing every year, many pass up the opportunity because of misconceptions about the programs. Learn the facts and don't miss out!
Myth #1—"Studying abroad is expensive."
Studying abroad doesn't have to cost much more than a semester at home. Sponsor universities frequently charge the same tuition for their abroad programs as they charge for a semester at the home institution. In addition, state and federal financial aid can often be applied to your semester abroad. There are also several scholarships offered for students interested in international opportunities. Learn more about financial aid for study abroad.
Myth #2—"I can't study abroad because I can't speak a foreign language."
Destinations like Ireland, England and Australia present no language obstacle, and many universities offer programs taught in English even where English is not the native language.
Myth #3—"Studying abroad is only good for language majors."
Students who have studied abroad gain the qualities valued by an employer or admissions counselor. They are mature, act independently, have excellent interpersonal skills and are culturally aware.
Myth #4—"I can't take courses in my major while studying abroad."
While not every major is offered in every country, all students should be able to find interesting and relevant programs overseas. Check with your school's study abroad office, or visit one of these Web sites:
Institute for the International Education of Students
Council on International Educational Exchange
Myth #5—"If I study abroad, I can't graduate in four years."
With careful planning, you should be able to study abroad and finish your curriculum in four years. Study abroad during winter or summer interim is available to all students, and many majors can study abroad for an entire year and still graduate on time.
Myth #6—"I won't get credit for the courses I take abroad."
American schools actively promote the advantages of studying abroad by helping students match up credits from foreign institutions to their own curriculum. Investigate before you apply: Request the syllabus of each class, ask your advisor what kind of credit you can earn and get the credit confirmed in writing. You want to be sure that you get credit for the work you did abroad.
Myth #7—"Studying abroad is only for juniors who can commit a semester or more."
Universities are working to provide study abroad programs to fit an increasingly diverse student population—from graduate students to freshmen—and many programs run during summer or winter interim. Learn more about short stints abroad.
Myth #8—"Studying abroad is not safe."
Though traveling abroad requires a degree of caution, a term overseas is by no means certain danger. Study abroad offices inform students of health and safety issues before departure and provide strict guidelines and procedures to ensure student safety. To learn about a country's current political situation and health conditions, visit the U.S. State Department Travel Advisory Web site at http://travel.state.gov.
Myth #9—"I can go abroad later, after I graduate."
Once you start life in the "real world" with financial, professional and personal responsibilities, finding the opportunity to go abroad becomes more difficult. Studying abroad allows you to become integrated within a new culture—something that's hard to do as a tourist.
So when thinking about studying abroad, don't jump to conclusions! Get the facts to decide whether or not study abroad is right for you.
Article taken from FastWeb.Com
University of Minnesota Learning Abroad Center
An international learning experience is life changing! Imagine living with a host family and learning a new language in Mexico, participating in an engineering research project in England, or interning in a clinic in Ecuador. Build your skills, cultural awareness, and self-confidence.
The Learning Abroad Center advising staff is here to help you find the right program to match your academic and personal interests. Follow the steps below to ensure the best possible match for your personal and curricular needs.
1. Attend a First-Step Meeting
Study Abroad First Step Meetings and Work, Intern, and Volunteer First Step Meetings are half-hour informational sessions on understanding program options, defining goals and interests, academic planning (for study abroad), and funding. Sessions are held daily in 230 Heller Hall (map). Students are required to attend a First Step Meeting before meeting individually with an adviser.
2. Set Goals and Prioritize
Determine your goals and priorities for study abroad. Study abroad programs can help you meet major or minor requirements, fulfill liberal education requirements, or achieve proficiency in a second language. You can live with a family in another culture, and you may also be able to do an internship or research for a final thesis while abroad. Opportunities abound! With careful planning you can study abroad and graduate on time. Decide the term you’d like to study abroad and the type of coursework you’d like to cover.
3. Investigate Programs
- Check out the Learning Abroad Catalog and this web site. Think about the term you’d like to study abroad, the type of coursework you’d like to cover, and a destination that interests you. Take a look, imagine, enjoy!
- Meet with a Program Selection Adviser
After attending a First Step meeting, meet with a Program Selection Adviser. Please do this before applying for a study abroad program. Advisers are available on a walk-in basis M 10-6, T 1-4, W-F 10-4. Advisers can help you identify programs that are a good match for your personal and curricular interests and that will help you fulfill major, minor, and other degree requirements. Advisers can also assist you with questions about financial aid and scholarships.
4. Academic Planning
Look for tools like Study Abroad in Your Major advising sheets, tips on finding course descriptions and syllabi, and the Academic Planning for Study Abroad form, a tool which facilitates communication with your academic advisers about study abroad coursework and your degree requirements.
5. Talk to Your Adviser
At any stage in the process, consult with your college or department advisers about your plans. Discuss coursework and terms that will work for you. Ask about collegiate and departmental scholarships for study abroad.
Study abroad can be an integral part of your undergraduate studies. You many want to choose a program early in your college career that will help satisfy Liberal Education or language requirements. The Learning Abroad Center also works with academic departments across campus to identify programs that are especially good for each major or minor. With careful planning, it is possible to complete core and/or elective major credits on study abroad.
6. Apply early
Allow yourself plenty of time to complete a program application, finish your academic planning, fulfill financial aid and scholarship requirements, and get ready to study abroad. Application deadlines range from three months to one year before the program start date. Click here for application information.
For more information on studying abroad at the University of Minnesota, please visit the Learning Abroad Center's website at http://www.umabroad.umn.edu/index.html
Elizabeth Kerre, SPHC Parent Studying in Kenya
Studying abroad, particularly in Kenya, was probably the farthest thing from my mind at the start of the fall semester last year. By chance, I was lucky enough to talk with some teen-parent, high school students during last year’s “Student-Parent Visibility Day”. One young girl stated, “I would love to study in Egypt and take my son along with me.” Her comment was sort of an awakening for me, and I immediately knew that I had to prove to myself and others like me, that student-parents’ capabilities can be carried beyond the North American continent.
My application into the Minnesota Studies in International Development Program-Kenya was accepted within two weeks of submitting my application, and thus began my educational and cultural awareness journey to the heart of Africa. Through Financial Aid, SPHC child care grants (which can be used during study-abroad programs), three study abroad scholarships and self-determination, I have been in Kenya with my 3 year old daughter Imani, for almost 3 months with about 6 more to go. It is especially rewarding to see her adapt to an entirely new culture and language without any reservations (trust me; it took about 2 weeks for her to become accustomed to life in Kenya). I am currently interning with the Kenya National Commission for Human Rights, and due to reasonable work hours, I have enough time to work on research, study, and get home in time to see my daughter arriving home by school bus. Due to the fact that Kenya is about the size of Texas, I have had numerous opportunities to travel within the country.
Life is very different here and because of diversity, I have learnt to appreciate life while simultaneously viewing this environment through a Kenyan cultural lens rather than an American lens. As student-parents, we may think it is impossible to achieve such an aspiration, but I must say it depends on one’s willingness to conform to different societal standards from our own. Help is all around us, we just have to look in the right direction, and I sincerely hope that more student-parents can accomplish their goals which may be similar to my experience.
Thank you, Elizabeth, for sharing your story and your experiences!
Study Abroad Scholarships
DiversityAbroad.com's Study Abroad Scholarship
Diversity Abroad, in cooperation with AIFS, will offer twenty, $1,000 scholarships forfall2008, spring 2009 and summer 2009study abroad.Six scholarships are available for the fall,six for the spring and eight for the summer. Applicants must be full-time undergraduates at a university or community college based in the United States. Students must participate in a study abroad program offered by a Diversity Abroad member organization (see eligible program list: http://studyabroad.diversityabroad.com/da-search.cfm ). Economically disadvantaged students, African-American, Asian-American, Hispanic/Latino, Multiracial/ethnic or Native-American undergraduate students are strongly encouraged to apply.
http://www.diversityabroad.com/downloads/Diversity%20Abroad%20S
Deadline: December 1, 2008 for Spring 2009 or April 1, 2009 for Summer 2009
Council on International Educational Exchange (CIEE) Scholarships
CIEE offers multiple scholarships for students in their programs. A complete scholarship application includes:
- A complete scholarship application and financial aid administrator form.
- A 500-word, typed scholarship essay that includes:
- The CIEE program, location, and term(s) for which you are applying
- The names of every CIEE scholarship for which you are applying
- Your objectives for your time overseas with CIEE
- Details of your financial need and how the scholarship will assist you in meeting your individual goals
- Describe any extenuating circumstances that may be relevant in the consideration of your scholarship application
- Applicants should also review the eligibility requirements for each award as there may be additional factors specific to the award to include in your essay. Failure to include these additional requirements in your statement could jeopardize your scholarship application.
Scholarship applicants must also have a complete program application on file with CIEE by the scholarship deadlines in order to be considered. Students need only to submit one application, even if they are applying for more than one scholarship; however, only one scholarship will be awarded. Award amounts vary.
http://www.ciee.org/study/scholarships.aspx
Deadline for Fall 2009: April 1, 2009
Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship
The Gilman Scholarship is open to all US citizen undergraduates, in good academic standing, who meet the criteria listed below:
1) The applicant must be receiving a Federal Pell Grant or provide proof that he/she will be receiving a Pell Grant at the time of application or during the term of their study abroad.
2) The applicant is applying to or has been accepted into a study abroad program eligible for credit by the student's accredited institution of higher education in the U.S.
3) The applicant is studying abroad for at least 4 weeks in one country. Programs going to more than one country are eligible if the student will be studying in one country for at least 4 weeks.
4) The applicant is studying abroad in any country except Cuba or a country on the State Department's current Travel Warning list.
5) The applicant is studying in the fall, spring, or academic year terms including winter inter-sessions. Summer only programs are not eligible.
Over 1,200 scholarships will be awarded in amounts of up to $5,000.
http://www.iie.org/programs/gilman/apply/application.html
Deadline for Fall 2009: April 7, 2009
U of MN Learning Abroad Center Scholarships: Open to students on the Twin Cities campus enrolled as degree-seeking undergraduates going on approved study abroad programs.
Students will be considered for all awards. The student award(s) may be a combination of public and private funds available to the Learning Abroad Center. Academic year is considered one term and students will only be considered for two award periods per year if they participate on multiple programs.
http://www.umabroad.umn.edu/fin Deadline for Fall 2009: April 22, 2009
International Education Financial Aid (IEFA)
IEFA is the premier resource for financial aid, college scholarship and grant information for US and international students wishing to study abroad. At this site, you will find the most comprehensive college scholarship search and grant listings plus international student loan programs and other information to promote study abroad.
http://www.iefa.org/search/index.html Deadline: Varies by scholarship
Opportunities to Share
Student Parent Success Stories
We would like to continue featuring announcements of student and family successes as regular newsletter items. If you will be graduating at the end of fall term, are welcoming a new child, purchasing a home, getting married or experiencing any related event that you would like to have us post in the newsletter, please send the details to the SPHC email address, spch@umn.edu. We would be proud and honored to share in celebrating these wonderful life transitions with you and your families.
Photo Gallery
Sharing photos of our children and families is a great way to get to know each other. If you have a photo of your child(ren) or family and would like to see it featured in one of our upcoming newsletters, send it as an e-mail attachment to sphc@umn.edu.
Career Services
Career Fair!
Monday, February 9, 2009
10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Minneapolis Convention Center
Come to the biggest student career fair in Minnesota! More than 250 organizations will be there recruiting for hundreds of jobs and internships. The Job and Internship Fair is free and open to all U of M undergraduates, graduate students, and recent alumni. This event was created just for you! Visit http://www.cclc.umn.edu/umjobfair/index.html for more information.
Check out this website for other upcoming Career Events: http://www.career.umn.edu/campusevents.htm
On-Campus Career Centers
College of Education and Human Development Exploratory, Transition, and Career Services
Our mission to prepare and support undergraduate and graduate students in the College of Education and Human Development to make well thought out and informed decisions about their present and future academic, experiential learning, and occupational choices. http://cehd.umn.edu/ETCS/
College of Liberal Arts Career and Community Learning Center
CCLC connects U of M students to community involvement and service-learning opportunities and exchanges to other U.S. campuses. CCLC also offers resources and services to help undergraduate College of Liberal Arts students choose a major, get an internship or volunteer opportunity, choose a career, find a job, apply to graduate/professional school, and prepare for the world of work.
http://www.cclc.umn.edu/
CLA career services http://careerservices.class.umn.edu/
We provide comprehensive career development assistance to undergraduate and graduate students through individual appointments, workshops, courses, as well as through online and print resources. http://www.stpaulcareers.umn.edu/
Career Search Preparation Tools
Online Career Workshops
Do you need help writing a resume or cover letter, effectively job searching and networking, or practicing your interview skills, but don’t have time to attend a workshop? Check out these online career workshops, which are a great way to gather basic career information at a time that is convenient to you!
http://cehd.umn.edu/ETCS/career/workshops.html
Practice Interviews Online With InterviewStream!
What is InterviewStream?
A webcam based virtual mock interviewing tool.
Why use InterviewStream?
Because when it comes to interviewing – practice and preparation are key!
You can choose your questions and immediately view your answers online.
It’s convenient, easy to use, and free for U of M students!
How do I start?
Click on the link: http://campus.interviewstream.com/login/?schoolid=323
Create an account, set up your webcam, pick your questions, and start interviewing.
Don’t have a web cam? Students served by our office can check one out from the St. Paul Campus Career Center in 198 McNeal Hall.
What if I want feedback on my interview video from a career adviser?
We’re happy to help! Feedback sessions are appointment based, to set up a time with a career adviser call 612-624-2170
Employment databases and search engines
University of Minnesota
GoldPASS — University of Minnesota Internship/Job Database
Students are able to post and store their profile and up to five different résumés in GoldPASS’s database. A student can choose to make that information available to employers, who are able to search the database for candidates.
Student Employment at the University
Opportunities for working while attending the University are plentiful and diverse. In fact, there are usually more job vacancies than applicants.
Minnesota
LandIt!
Students — View job and internship postings from hundreds of employers in Minnesota, research employers, and search postings by your field of interest.
ISEEK.ORG
Minnesota's gateway to career, education, employment and business information
Minnesota Teacher Recruitment Center was designed for Minnesota school districts to fill open teaching positions and to assist teacher candidates locate current teaching vacancies in Minnesota.
Minnesota Council of Non-Profits
Search for job openings in non-profit and governmental agencies throughout Minnesota.
Minnesota Job Network—website comprised of multiple employment sites focusing exclusively on local communities in Minnesota
Minnesota Jobs—independent career website serving Minnesota job seekers
Minnesota Works – job search website operated by DEED and our Minnesota Work Force Centers
National
Academic Employment Network — If you are looking for a teaching job or other academic position, a successful national employment search is but a click away!
Job Source searches through millions of jobs from thousands of Web sites including Monster, Careerbuilder, Hotjobs, Net-temps, Dice, and Craigslist. Find jobs from all job sites, newspapers, associations, and company career pages at one site.
Resources for Career Clothing
*The SPHC has a limited number of adult interview and career clothing available. Please speak with one of the staff if you are in need or check out one of these resources.
Ready for Success
Sponsored by Episcopal Community Services
2 locations:
1831 E Minnehaha
St. Paul, MN
651-731-6400
425 Oak Grove
Minneapolis, MN
612-872-1509
Martha’s Closet
500 Cedar St
St. Paul, MN
651-224-4728
Elbethel Baptist Church
3953 4th Ave S
Minneapolis, MN
612-825-6469
Community Resources
Fare For All
Big savings every month on fresh, high quality, nutritious groceries – that’s what Fare For All is all about! As food prices continue to rise, more Minnesotans are experiencing significant difficulties affording basic expenses each month. Fare For All is open to anyone who wants to save money on their groceries. Participants have the opportunity to save 40-50% off their monthly food budgets and access fresh fruits and veggies, frozen meats of all kinds, and a variety of non-perishable staple items.
For more information visit www.fareforall.org or call 763-450-3880 or 1-800-582-4291 (outside Metro area).
MinnesotaHelp.info
MinnesotaHelp.info is an online directory of services designed to help people in Minnesota find human services, information and referral, financial assistance, and other forms of help. It is especially rich in resource information for seniors and their caregivers; people with disabilities and their caregivers; parents and families; and low income people. http://www.minnesotahelp.org/public/
211, First Call for Help
Looking for information on childcare, food, housing, transportation or senior services? The Minnesota 2-1-1 database lists more than 10,000 organizations and 40,000 services throughout the state. Just dial 2-1-1 (or 651-291-0211). It's free, confidential and available 24/7. Trained information specialists can connect you to more than 40,000 community resources. Multi-lingual lines are available Monday-Friday, 8:30 am-5:00 pm. You can also download a copy of the 2-1-1 application and database (http://www.ctkodm.com/gtcuw/211_app/ ) directly to your computer. By doing this, you will be able to search for resources at any time without needing an Internet connection.
Energy Assistance
Whether we like it or not the cold is coming! Many Minnesotans will see significant increases in their energy bills, sometimes beyond the ability of some to pay. The Energy Assistance Program provides grants for individuals in need. Please visit the following link for more information: http://www.state.mn.us/portal/mn/jsp/content.do?id=-536881374&contentid=
Are you looking for specific information for your County?
If so, please check out the following links for metro Counties:
Parenting Information
Minnesota Parents Know
Trusted parenting information, resources, and activities to help your children grow, develop, and learn from birth through high school.
This website features special sections for newborns, children ages 1-2, children ages 3-5, grades K-8, and grades 9-12. Links to other parenting resources are also available.
http://www.parentsknow.state.mn.us/
Parent Zone
Welcome to the most comprehensive resource for Twin Cities parents. This site proves that the area has far more to offer families than the Mall of America! This over-flowing directory of local resources includes free things to do around town, great classes for kids, the most family-friendly of the 10,000 lakes, and more! Plus, the local events calendar features family fun on both sides of the river. It's Minnesota nice! http://twincities.parentzone.com/
Mom Talk!
Looking for a place to learn from other moms, share resources, recipes and experiences? Visit www.momtalk.com. This is a great online forum with information on health and wellness, upcoming events, pregnancy and just about anything related to being a mom in the Twin Cities.
Dads Today!
Welcome, Dads! Here's a place just for you to get the answers you're looking for, make new friends and be a part of an active community. Visit http://www.dadstoday.com/. Have fun!
University of Minnesota Extension Service
The University of Minnesota Extension Service offers a host of resources for Minnesota parents. Please bookmark the following website for access to answers and advice regarding a number of common parenting questions. http://www.extension.umn.edu
Learn to Swim
Learn to Swim focuses on providing safety and fun in and around the water. Participants learn a solid base of swimming skills and build upon them throughout the program. The classes are taught following American Red Cross Learn to Swim Guidelines.
Learn to Swim is a program through the University of Minnesota Recreational Sports and classes are offered at St. Paul and Minneapolis. Classes are offered for parents and children (6 months to 5 years old), children lessons (age 4 and older), and for adults.
Rates for University students is: $50 per participant.
For more information visit www.recsports.umn.edu, call 612-625-3794, or email lts@umn.edu
Parent Warmline 612-813-6336
The Parent Warmline is a free consultation service for parents provided by Children’s Hospital. If you have questions or concerns about behavioral or developmental issues such as toilet training, discipline, sleep patterns, temper tantrums, fears, etc., call this free hotline (612-813-6336) and leave your name, telephone number and a brief description of your concern. Within 24 hours a professionally trained volunteer will call you back to offer practical advice, encouragement or community resource referrals. Please note that the Parent Warmline is a non-crisis, non-medical service. This service is free to parents who live in the Twin Cities metro area.
Community Events and Activities
Family Friendly Activities in the Twin Cities!
State Capitol Art Treasures Hunt Saturday at Minnesota State Capitol
You and your children can travel through the Minnesota State Capitol building on this self-guided scavenger hunt to discover 12 beautiful and important decorations located within the historic site. If your children are successful in their pursuit, they’ll be awarded a gold state seal and become Junior Art Historians. Pick up your scavenger hunt booklet any time between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. on Saturdays and start searching! Treasure hunt is usually held each Saturday (check online for exceptions).
http://events.mnhs.org/calendar/Results.cfm?EventID= 2358&CFID=6585130&CFTOKEN=70166187
CITY KIDS
Minneapolis Central Library
November 15, 10:30 a.m.
A "kids in the city" art-making activity precedes this charming double-bill by award-winning animator, Michael Sporn.
- The Talking Eggs (c) Weston Woods, 1992. An ice storm blankets the city and Selena meets an elderly street woman who can make a hearty stew out of bare bones and has a fridge full of magical talking eggs. Selena's new friend also has much to say to the young girl about how things can change. An urban adaptation of a Creole Tale with narration by Danny Glover. 30 min.
- Knuffle Bunny (c) Weston Woods, 2006. Author Mo Willems and his daughter Trixie tell their story of the time they lost the young child's security bunny in the neighborhood laundromat in an animated adaptation of the adorably drawn, award-winning picture book. 9 min.
http://www.friendsofmpl.org/events_home.html#childishfilms
Free Third Sundays at the Minnesota Children’s Museum
Check out this great museum just for kids of all ages, free on the third Sunday of every month!
Saint Paul, MN 651-225-6034 http://www.mcm.org/
Free Thursdays at the Walker Art Center
Admission is free every Thursday at the Walker Art Center.
Minneapolis, MN 612-375-7622 http://www.walkerart.org/index.wac
Children’s Theatre Company Upcoming Performances
The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe
November 11, 2008 - January 3, 2009
An epic family adventure into a wondrous world...
The wondrous world of Narnia comes to life on the CTC stage when Peter, Susan, Lucy, and Edmund embark upon their incredible adventure. Stepping through the wardrobe into the frozen land where the White Witch now reigns, they must find the courage and faith to join Aslan the Lion in a valiant battle to restore beauty and hope – and to earn their places as kings and queens of Narnia. Join the CTC for a spectacular musical adaptation of one of the great classic stories, filled with faith, hope and possibility.
Peter Pan
December 5 - January 3, 2009
Experience this classic adventure as it comes to life in a stunning and surprising way with live performers and brilliant shadow puppets from renowned Italian puppet master Fabrizio Montecchi. From the cozy comfort of a nursery bedtime to the fantastical allure of mermaid lagoons and pirate ships, the story of Peter and Wendy will take flight before your eyes. Peter Pan is a limited engagement of CTC's touring production.
http://www.childrenstheatre.org/2009/lww.html
Minneapolis Institute of Arts
Ten Sundays each year the MIA hosts Family Days. These events feature music, art, dance performance and hands-on activities for kids. December’s event is “Celebrations around the World” and will feature exhibits on how holidays, birthdays, weddings, and other events are celebrated around the world! Participants are invited to exlore the MIA's period rooms with a costumed guide. Other events include music, performances, and art-making activities! This event is free and takes place on Sunday, December 14th between 11:00 am and 5:00 pm. There is no pre-registration required-simply show up anytime between 11 and 5.
The Minneapolis Institute of Arts is located at 2400 Third Avenue South, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55404. Visit http://www.artsmia.org/ for more information.
The Bell Museum of Natural History
The Bell Museum of Natural History located right on our own U of M, East Bank campus, offers two fun family events. Visit their website for more details: http://www.bellmuseum.org/calendar.html
Nature Play
A drop-in family program from 1-3 p.m. on the 2nd Saturday of each month. Free with museum admission. For families with kids ages 4 and older.
Nature Tots
A program for toddlers and preschoolers with their parents, held the first Thursday of every month from 9:30 to 11:00 a.m. Free with museum admission, but registration is required. Call 612-624-9050.
Science Museum of Minnesota
Did you know…families who receive any assistance in the form of WIC, MFIP, GA, MA, MN Care, SSI, FS, or Section 8 qualify for reduced admission rates at the MN Science Museum. Just bring along current proof that you receive any of the assistance forms listed above, and you and your family can enjoy the Science Museum for the following prices:
Exhibits: $1.00
Exhibits + Omni Theater: $3.00
Please contact the museum with any further questions: 651.221.9444, www.smm.org
Hours: Tuesday-Wednesday 9:30 am-5:00 pm, Thursday-Saturday 9:30 am-9:00 pm, Sunday 9:30 am-5:00 pm CLOSED MONDAY
Quick and Easy Recipes
Santa Fe Veggie Quesadillas
Serving Size: 1/4 of recipe (approx. 2 wedges)
Makes: 4 servings
Ingredients:
1 (12 inch) flour tortilla
3/4 cup shredded Cheddar/Monterey Jack cheese blend
1/2 cup whole kernel corn, drained
1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
1/2 cup black beans, drained
1 chopped green onion
Directions:
1. Prepare a lightly oiled large skillet over medium heat. Place the tortilla in the skillet and flip it once to ensure an even coating of oil on both sides.
2. Allow the tortilla to heat on one side for 1 minute. Beginning at the center of the tortilla, evenly spread the cheese blend until the tortilla's entire surface is covered. Top the cheese with corn, red bell pepper, black beans and green onion. When the cheese is completely melted, carefully slide the tortilla from the pan onto a cutting board. Slice into 8 wedges and serve warm.
Enjoy this yummy & healty treat!
All programs of the SPHC are available to undergraduates only.
COOL WEB LINK:
The Totally Free Children's Learning Network
This website makes learning fun with facts, videos, and games on a variety of topics ranging from astronomy to the human body to spelling. For the young and the young at heart!
Visit http://www.kidsknowit.com/index.php
Featured Books
*Note* All of the books/CD’s listed below are available for check-out at the Student Parent Help Center
- Soothing Your Child's Pain by Kenneth Gorfinkle, Ph.D.
- Your Baby and Child: From Birth to Age Five by Penelope Leach
- The Working Mother's Guide to Life: Strategies, Secrets, and Solutions by Linda Mason
- The Father Book: An Instruction Manual by Dr. Frank Minirth, Dr. Brian Newman, and Dr. Paul Warren
- Communication Miracles for Couples by Jonathan Robinson
- Integrating College Study Skills: Reasoning in Reading, Listening, and Writing by Peter Elias Sotiriou
- All Kinds of Families by Norma Simon
- Goodbye Mousie by Robie H. Harris
Who’s Who at SPHC
Susan Warfield, MSW, LICSW
As the Director of the SPHC, I am responsible for overseeing all programs of the Student Parent HELP Center, managing our child care grants and supervising SPHC staff. This has meant that I have had to step back from having the degree of direct contact with students I have always enjoyed having in the past. This has been a difficult but necessary step for me to take in order to meet the needs of our growing program. If you have an issue that absolutely cannot be addressed by another SPHC staff member, you may schedule an appointment with me. These appointments should be booked through the SPHC front desk at 612-626-6015. Intakes and basic questions about services offered should be directed to Jerri Clark Wagner (once she returns), Chanee Rudolf or our Graduate Social Work Intern. I am entering my 9th year with the HELP Center and during this journey have moved from on-line staff, to Coordinator and now Director. With this evolution has come an increase in responsibilities and duties. Please know that even though you may not see as much of me in the actual Center as you may have in the past, I continue to work each and every day to bring you the programming, funding and visibility on campus that student parents need to have a successful experience at the U of MN. Over the summer and beginning of fall term I have had a chance to step back into the direct service world while our Direct Service Coordinatior is on leave; and will be leading group and completing the largest share of the new student intakes for the 2008-2009 year. It has been fun to get a chance to meet and greet our new students and to hang out with our new and on-going students in group once again. Rest assured that whether acting as the stand in group facilitator, or working on grants and other administrative duties for the center, I am always right next door and will always be working hard to bring you the services and funding needed to assure that each and every SPHC student parent has what they need to succeed at the U!
Jerri Wagner, MSW, LGSW
I am the Direct Service Program Coordinator for the Student Parent HELP Center. Originally from New York State, I graduated from Syracuse University in 2000 with an undergraduate degree in theatre, with minors in sociology and women’s studies. After undergrad, I was an AmeriCorps volunteer for one year in Chicago, teaching arts integration on the west side in a Chicago Public School. In June of 2003, I graduated with my Master’s in Social Work from the University of Chicago. While in graduate school, I served as a therapist with Chicago’s Metropolitan YWCA, working with survivors of sexual assault and their families. From 2003-2006, I coordinated two statewide youth violence prevention programs for the Illinois Center for Violence Prevention in Chicago. Prior to relocating to Minneapolis, I spent March-June of 2006 traveling and learning abroad in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, and Rwanda. I would love to talk about any of these varied experiences with you and really look forward to working with such an amazing and resilient population at the SPHC!
Melanie Opay
Hi everyone! I am the new graduate social work intern this year. I am a first-year direct practice student in the Master’s of Social Work program and am very excited to be in the program, at the University of Minnesota, and working in the Student Parent HELP Center for the entire year. I received my undergraduate degree in psychology from Augsburg College and since then have been working in St. Paul as an MFIP job counselor. I’m thrilled to be working with student parents in a different capacity and look forward to getting to know you and your families throughout the school year!
Chanee Rudolph
Hello!! I am the Undergraduate Teaching Assistant (UGTA) here at the Student Parent HELP Center. This is my first year so like many of you I am learning a lot of new and exciting things. My job here is to assist you with anything you need as well as make you feel comfortable and welcomed, so please don't hesitate to ask me for anything if you have questions. I am in my third year here at the University and I am a family and social science major and developing a minor in Family Violence Prevention. So far, I have enjoyed myself more than any of you know and I am looking forward to many more to come!
Comments, questions or ideas about useful information for this newsletter can be directed to Melanie Opay at Sphc@umn.edu.